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Meet the February 2013 Students of the Month

On-Campus Student: Michaela SasseMichaela is a freshman at Fort Hays State University majoring in Speech-Language Pathology and working toward a Certificate in Leadership Studies. She chose to get involved with the Department of Leadership Studies because it would allow her to “not only develop (her) communication skills, but also a servant’s heart.” Michaela’s favorite class has been LDRS 300: Introduction to Leadership Concepts because it “showed (her) how to apply leadership in multiple aspects of (her) life.” She has had a positive experience with Leadership Studies, adding that “The staff is absolutely incredible in the way that each professor is willing to put forth the time and effort to make sure that every student succeeds.” Outside of her coursework, Michaela is involved with Catholic Disciples, the Distinguished Scholars Program, Fort Hays Honor Society, Women’s Chorale, and a recreational volleyball team. She is also a lector at church and employed as a staff assistant at the Robbins Center. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Online Student: Ben KelsoBen is a first year grad student in the Master’s of Liberal Studies Program with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. He is from San Diego, California and is employed as a Detective Sergeant for the San Diego Police Department Family Justice Center/ Domestic Violence Unit and as an Assistant Football Coach at Del Norte High School. Ben also serves as the San Diego Chapter President of the National Black Police Association and has held this leadership role for almost four years. In his free time, he enjoys working with local youth, taekwondo, and playing both the alto and baritone saxophone.

When asked why he chose to get involved with the Department of Leadership Studies, he said that “after (his) extensive search of potential graduate schools around the nation… (He) felt that the Department offered the most comprehensive education in the areas (he) was interested in.” His favorite class thus far has been LDRS 670: Leadership and Personal Development because of the required reading texts, class discussions, and the emphasis on personal reflection.

International Student: Gao Xiaotian (Marcus)Marcus is a junior at our partner university, Shenyang Normal University in China, where he is currently pursuing his degree in Finance and a Certificate in Leadership Studies. Marcus is originally from Fushun, China. He chose to be involved with the Department of Leadership Studies because “The vision, strategy, spirit of collaboration, and the focus on the influence relationship between leaders and followers provided by the courses are things that (he) has never worked on, and because they motivate (him) to a whole new level to pursue the well-being of society.” Outside of class, Marcus is involved in the Student Union and English Club.

Marcus has enjoyed LDRS 480: Leadership and Team Dynamics because “The assignments and activities provided are exciting and creative. They further (his) understanding of leadership, both in the course materials and the process of these activities themselves.” He also added that “The teacher, LeAnn, and cooperating teacher, Ryan, tried their best to help us in the course and we all love them so much for